LG Optimus Slider Announced for Virgin Mobile USA

Sprint’s pay-as-you-go Virgin Mobile USA division has announced the new LG Optimus Slider for release in late October. As the name implies, you’ll get a slide-out QWERTY keyboard with this one.

Virgin Mobile went very light on the specs in this press release, but that isn’t too surprising as they focus far more on the value they bring to customers when it comes to calling, messaging and data plans. The LG Optimus Slider will retail for $199.99 beginning on October 17 on Virgin’s website, and you will then be able to pick it up at Best Buy and Radio Shack on October 31, at Target on November 6 and finally at Sprint Stores on November 13.

It may not be the hottest phone on the block, but when you can get unlimited messaging and data for as low as $35 a month, it’s hard not to look at it a bit harder.

Here are the highlighted specs they mentioned and you can see the full release below.

LG Optimus Slider Tech Specs

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

3.2-inch HVGA Capacitive Touch Display

3.2 Megapixel rear camera with auto-focus and flash

MicroSD support up to 32GB

Bluetooth 3.0

LG Optimus Slider Delivers Ease of a Full Keyboard to Popular Virgin Mobile USA Android-Powered Smartphone

WARREN, N.J. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 30, 2011 – Virgin Mobile USA expands its Android™-powered smartphone lineup with the upcoming availability of LG® Optimus™ Slider, providing a new smartphone option with an easy-to-use slide out keyboard. Perfect for the heavy social networker, LG Optimus Slider will be available Oct. 17 at www.virginmobileusa.com for $199.99. The smartphone will be available Oct. 31 in Best Buy and RadioShack stores; Nov. 6 at Target; and Nov. 13 in Sprint Stores.

LG Optimus Slider is the second generation of the popular LG Optimus V™, which launched in early 2011 and is currently available at www.virginmobileusa.com for $149.99. It remains one of the most popular smartphones on Virgin Mobile USA.

“With the new LG Optimus Slider were bringing our customers an updated operating system and slide-out keyboard,” said Mark Lederman, Business Line director, Virgin Mobile USA. “According to NPD Group, year-over-year preference for a touchscreen has tripled among prepaid buyers, and 21 percent1 of all customers say that having a QWERTY keyboard is a motivating factor in making a purchase. Coupled with the popularity weve seen on the LG Optimus V were looking forward to bringing this fresh option to Virgin Mobile.”

“LG Optimus Slider delivers the convenience of a full QWERTY keyboard with the sleek lines of the LG Optimus series,” said Tim OBrien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “We look forward to providing Virgin Mobile USA consumers the ideal device for on-the-go messaging, emailing and social networking.”

Virgin Mobile USA Beyond Talk plans start at just $35 a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging and data. For those looking for a bit more talk time the $45 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice, and the $55 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month. All plans include unlimited messaging and data.

LG Optimus Slider offers users:

An easy to use 3.2-inch touchscreen with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and bright screen

Enjoy all of the apps in the constantly growing Android Market with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Surf the Web and run apps on the Nationwide 3G Sprint Network

MicroSD support (>32GB) and a 3.2MP camera

Bluetooth® 3.0

LG Optimus Slider comes preloaded with Virgin Mobile Live 2.0 social networking lifestyle application used to access the Virgin Mobile branded music stream, hosted by DJ Abbey Braden. The app also provides users of Android-powered devices free access to live music performance videos and “check in” features at special events. All status updates made using the app will also sync with Facebook® and Twitter®.

The previously announced decision to reduce throughput speeds when any Beyond Talk customer reaches 2.5GB of data usage within a current monthly cycle has been postponed to 2012.

ABOUT VIRGIN MOBILE USA

Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint‘s prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk™ No Contract plans with unlimited data for mobile phone service including Android-powered smartphones and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access. Virgin Mobile branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and RadioShack. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Assurance Wireless and Broadband2Go services. Purchase and experience Virgin Mobile on the Web and atFacebook, Twitter, YouTube and www.virginmobileusa.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in more than 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of 55.8 trillion Korean won (USD 48.2 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the worlds leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit http://www.lgmobilephones.com.

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Sean P. Aune has been a professional technology blogger since July 2007, but his love of tech dates back to at least 1976 when his parents bought...Sean P. Aune has been a professional technology blogger since July 2007, but his love of tech dates back to at least 1976 when his parents bought...